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5 Orlando Magic things to know from the FIBA World Cup’s first round

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Paolo Banchero turned in a solid run as Team USA's backup center as the tournament moves to the second round. (Photo by Ariana Saigh/Getty Images)
Paolo Banchero turned in a solid run as Team USA's backup center as the tournament moves to the second round. (Photo by Ariana Saigh/Getty Images) /
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Goga Bitadze, Georgia
Goga Bitadze has been a solid center off the bench in helping Georgia reach the second round. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /

5 things to know after the Orlando Magic’s FIBA World Cup first round

Orlando Magic will have a center battle

We already have an eye on training camp which begins in a little bit more than a month at the beginning of October. The World Cup is giving us a brief glimpse at some of these players. But things will obviously be different once the group as a whole comes together.

Everyone should already be anticipating a bit of a battle for the backup center minutes behind Wendell Carter. It is the same battle fans saw play out at the end of last year. And it does not really have a resolution.

Both Moe Wagner and Goga Bitadze are providing great fodder and a great preview for that battle in their World Cup runs. And honestly, the Orlando Magic should be very happy with their options.

Both Wagner and Bitadze have been coming off the bench for their respective teams. Both teams are advancing to the second round. And both players have been big scorers and big boosters coming off that bench.

They have both been effective in their roles and do exactly what they are asked to do. It is hard to be upset.

Wagner has averaged 13.7 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game in 18.6 minutes per game for Germany in their unbeaten run through the first round.

Bitadze has averaged 11.0 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game in 22.2 minutes per game for Georgia in their run to the second round. His rebounds are the sixth most in the tournament so far.

For both players, it feels like a continuation of what both showed throughout last season.

Wagner is an excellent screener and can step out and hit shots on the perimeter just as he cleans up around the basket. He has been solid as a post-up player too.

Bitadze has done much of the same too. He is defending the rim and gobbling up rebounds. He also works well around the basket and has served as a fulcrum in the high post. His mobility has been a big boost for Georgia too.

The Magic are going to have to find a way to manage both players’ minutes once the season begins. They may go back and forth between the two for a good chunk of the season. But it looks like both players will be up for the challenge.